Giorgos Giakoumakis told to reject offer after Celtic bid accepted – expert
Frank McAvennie has urged Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis against a move to Japan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said Giakoumakis would “easily” secure a move to a European side.
The 28-year-old has been absent from the matchday squad for Celtic’s two previous fixtures due to an injury.
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph (16 January), the Celts have accepted an offer from Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds for the goalscorer.
The initial fee is believed to be £3million but the striker is still weighing up his options amid strong interest from Atlanta United.
Earlier this month (9 January), the Daily Record relayed a report from Greek outlet SDNA that there were five teams chasing the forward, including clubs in Russia and Germany.
Giakoumakis’ current Parkhead contract runs until 2026 and attempts to secure him to a longer-term deal were unsuccessful after failing to come to an agreement on wages.
McAvennie claimed the Greece international should be aiming higher than Japan.
“Giakoumakis is a decent player but he wants to play football and I can understand that,” he told Football Insider.
“I do not know about going to Japan. I would not want to go there if I was him, I think he is better than that.
“It is up to him. It is a great way of life, the money will be good, but the football will not be. It depends what he wants to do but I would imagine he will get a European club pretty easily.“
In other news, a Celtic idol has hit out at Michael Beale amid unprecedented Ange Postecoglou signing claim.